FINDINGS AND CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATIONS CONCERNING SERVICE IN THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES

SEC 1635. FINDINGS AND CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATIONS CONCERNING SERVICE IN THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES (a) Findings.—Congress makes the following findings: (1) Citizens and nationals of the United States have taken up arms to defend their homes and communities, and to secure and preserve the independence of the United States, from the earliest days of the Nation. (2) The concept of the citizen-soldier has been a keystone of the defense strategy of the Nation. (3) Members of the National Guard and Reserves have served proudly and honorably in every war or conflict involving United States Armed Forces. (4) The Total Force Policy of the United States, by placing significant portions of wartime mission capability and selected day-to-day operations in the National Guard and Reserve, has reinforced the proposition that the Guard and Reserve are essential elements of the national defense establishment of the United States. (5) During the 1980’s, Congress and the Department of Defense have demonstrated their increasing reliance and confidence in the National Guard and Reserve by expanding missions, increasing training requirements, and providing new state-of-the-art weapons and support equipment (6) The National Guard and Reserve represent a very cost-effective arm of the Total Force, preserving combat capability and retaining valuable trained human resources, especially during periods of austere defense budgets. (7) Participation by citizens in the National Guard and Reserve enhances the military readiness of the United States and demonstrates the resolve of the citizenry to protect and preserve American values. 103 STAT. 1609 (8) Participation in the National Guard and Reserve improves the economy by providing individuals with job skills and education. (b) Congressional Declarations.—In light of the findings in subsection (a), Congress— (1) reaffirms that service in the National Guard and Reserve is in the highest traditions of military service to the country and acknowledges the valuable contribution that the men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserve are making to their country; (2) encourages Guard and Reserve participation by all elements of American society; and (3) continues to support reliance on the National Guard and Reserve as full partners in the Total Force.